Discover the Best Ring Making Classes in NYC
Ring making is an art that involves creating beautiful adornments worn on fingers. Most people think of a ring as a band of gold or silver or another precious metal. However, rings can be made from a variety of materials. Ancient rings are known to have been made from flint or bone – materials that niche ring makers still craft from today. Other materials for making rings include polymer clay, enamel, and wood, among others.
The tools a ring maker needs depend on the material they wish to use. For instance, woodworkers need a drill, while clay crafters need a rolling pin and crafting knife. However, all ring makers usually make use of a mandrel or a set of gauges for measuring ring sizes. Metalsmiths need the most heavy duty tools including a saw, hammer, soldering torch, workbench, safety equipment, and others.
While the various tools and techniques may seem intimidating at first glance, ring making does not need to be an expensive or complicated hobby. The craft is accessible to jewelry makers of all skill levels, and beginners will find many simple techniques to get them started making beautiful pieces in a short amount of time.
Why You Should Learn Ring Making in NYC
Starting a new hobby provides benefits that can boost your mood and well being. In general, people report feeling happier and less stressed after engaging in a creative activity like ring making. Learning a new talent and viewing your success in it is also known to provide a boost in confidence and self esteem.
Ring making can also open social doors. There are several arts and crafts events and groups in NYC. Aspiring ring makers can join jewelry hobby groups and meet people with similar interests. These new individuals are excellent sources of guidance and encouragement to new hobbyists. Having a reliable community to fall back on can help decrease feelings of loneliness. And every new community an individual connects with brings the possibility of finding new friends.
Some hobbyists earn income through ring making. While this isn’t the norm for everyone, some ring makers sell their creations and generate enough money to cover expenses from the hobby. Others are skilled enough in the hobby to bring in part or full time income. If you prefer to keep your creations or give them away, the other advantages to ring making will still serve you well.
In-Person Ring Making Classes & Schools in NYC
Residents of NYC will discover several class options related to ring making.
Fitzgerald Jewelry
Fitzgerald Jewelry is a combination jewelry gallery, store, and school located in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The school teaches classes aimed toward all skill levels, from beginners to advanced jewelry makers. Classes are private and offer personalized instruction.
Stackable Rings is a beginner workshop open to a single student. They will gain hands-on experience with the tools and techniques for annealing, shaping, texturing, and finishing sterling silver rings. The Student creates three separate pieces during the two-hour course. The cost of the silver and tools are included in the course. Prospective students must be at least 18 to register.
Couples can register for a private Wedding Band Workshop. Students should know what they want to make and must pay an additional cost for the required materials. The class is broken up into two three-hour sessions. Students will spend the first class creating casting models. The rings are cast outside of class by the instructor, and students return on the second day to finish their pieces. The class is suitable for all skill levels.
The Wax Carving: Ring Carving course covers the same techniques as the Wedding Band Workshop for a single student. They will learn the basics of wax carving on the first day of class and complete their piece on the second. Students must pay the cost of the materials they use. This class is intended for beginners.
Ring makers specifically interested in working with silver can attend a private Silversmithing course. The class is intended for beginners and teaches students techniques for working with silver, including sawing, annealing, hammering, soldering, texturing, and finishing. They will complete a personal ring project by the end of the four-hour course. Students should come to class with a specific design in mind. Tools and silver are provided in the course cost.
The Benlolo Studio
The Benlolo Studio was founded by David Benlolo, a jewelry designer with over 20 years of experience. The studio is located in Murray Hill, Manhattan, and offers classes for all skill levels. Students receive personalized instruction through small class sizes of only around 4 students. When registering for a class, students can make up any missed sessions or create their own schedule if needed.
Beginner and intermediate students may attend 6 Weeks Jewelry Design/Making or the four-week equivalent. The courses include two three-hour sessions each week tailored to the interests and goals of attending students. Students will complete the personal project of making a ring or pendant. They will learn techniques for creating wax models for casting, creating bezel settings, and identifying gemstones.
Upon completing either of the beginner’s courses, students may continue their education through the 6 Weeks Jewelry Design/Making (Intermediate & Advanced) class. Students can choose to make a ring, earrings, brooch, or pendant. They will learn new wax casting techniques, and how to work with gold, silver, or platinum. Other techniques taught include twisted wire and advanced stone settings. Advanced classes are instructed by David Benlolo.
EatMetal Inc
EatMetal Inc is a jewelry studio and school located in Hoboken, New Jersey, and run by Elizabeth Tokoly. The school offers small group classes capped at around 4 to 6 people to allow for personalized learning experiences. The price of each of their courses varies depending on the number of seats booked.
In the DIY Textured Sterling Silver Rings class, beginner students learn to create a silver ring band. The course covers the basic techniques of forming, texturing, soldering, and finishing. The cost of tools and materials is included in the course. Students get to take home their creation.
Small Group Classes (Jewelry / Metalsmithing) are available for beginners and advanced students wishing to complete personal projects or designs. The techniques taught are designed around the needs and interests of each individual student. The class may be taken once or over several weeks as needed. Due to the highly individualized nature of this course, students are responsible for the cost of tools and materials.
